Intermittent sound coming from wheel well while driving

[Mistaspakles]

I've got this intermittent sound coming from what appears to be my front drivers side wheel well while I'm driving. It sounds like something grinding (metal-like, kind of loud when it happens). The weird thing is, the sound is intermittent. Somedays I can hear it right away when driving off to work, then it will stop after 5 min of driving. Other days I wouldn't hear a thing, then while on the freeway, I'll hear it for about 10 min and then it will just go away. When this happened when I was leaving work, I had someone stand right by it while I was going 1mph and it was definately coming from the drivers side front wheel well. This has been happening for the last week now and I'm completely puzzled. The sound will usually go away when I apply the brakes. Anyone have any idea what this could be?

 

[Meh987]

It could be your wheel bearing. Jack up that side of the car and try and shake the wheel with your hands. If it shakes easily, then you probably need to replace your wheel bearing.

 

[flytalon93]

Does the 2nd gen have the little tabs on the brake calipers warning you when the pads are getting low? I just changed my wife's brakes out on her 97GST and I could of swore that those are the metal plates that go on the side of the pad itself, if so, those have tabs on them which grind to let you know your pads are getting low. You say it stops when you apply the brakes. Could be an avenue to check out.

Good luck.

 

[2.4 turbo Hyped]

I also vote for your brake pads getting low. Replace them. Sean

 

[ECLIPSEESPILCE]

I had the same intermittant problem check the wheel bearing they are easy to replace.
Shake the wheel like meh987 stated.

 

[Petrohimself]

i vote wheel bearing. thats 3 us, 2 you